IIO Asserts Jurisdiction in Port Alberni

SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that it has asserted jurisdiction in an officer-related incident involving the Port Alberni RCMP.

According to the notification by RCMP, on Feb. 15, 2013, officers responded to a complaint involving an adult female. The female was located walking at the corner of Maitland Street and 8th Avenue in Port Alberni. During the officers’ contact with the female, they determined that she was the subject of a court order and believed her to be non- compliant with that court order. Based on that, officers arrested her. During the arrest, she sustained injuries to her knee. She was transported to police cells where she was assessed by BC Ambulance Services. The female affected person was subsequently admitted to hospital where she was admitted and treated for a fractured knee cap.

Over the following days, both RCMP and IIO investigators monitored the affected person’s medical condition. Based on information received on Feb. 22, 2013, jurisdiction was asserted. IIO investigative personnel are expected to arrive in Port Alberni this morning, Feb. 25, 2013.

The IIO and the Port Alberni RCMP will work within the terms agreed upon in the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed by the Chief Civilian Director and B.C.’s police services in July 2012. The MOU provides direction in those circumstances where there is a concurrent investigation underway with jurisdiction for that remaining with Port Alberni RCMP.

Please note that no additional information is available at the present time.